The nervous system is an incredible part of our God-given design. It is the system that helps us register all of the body language that we instinctively pick up on in communicating with others. The shifts of expression in the other person’s face, from eye movements to the pitch and speed of the voice, along with our own internal fluctuations- heart rate, breathing, swallowing- are linked to the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system has two different branches: the sympathetic, which acts as the body’s accelerator, and the parasympathetic, which serves as its brake. Working together, these play an important role in managing the body’s energy flow.
When we encounter a stressful situation, it is the sympathetic nervous system that helps our body enter into a state of heightened arousal by triggering the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which speeds up the heart rate and increases blood to the muscles for a fight-or-flight response. As we recover from stress, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in to trigger the release of a neurotransmitter, slowing down the heart, relaxing muscles, and returning breathing to normal.
In 1994 some interesting research began to be introduced called the Polyvagal Theory (Polyvagal refers to the many branches of the vagus nerve which connects numerous organs, including the brain, lungs, heart, stomach and intestines). This research provided a better understanding of the biology of safety and danger, one based on the subtle connection between what a person is feeling deep in their bodies and the voices and faces of people around us.
“ It clarified why knowing that we are seen and heard by important people in our lives can make us feel calm and safe, and why being ignored or dismissed can precipitate rage reactions or mental collapse. It helped us understand why focused attunement with another person can shift us out of disorganized and fearful states” (The Body Keeps the Score, p.80).
Healing from trauma or even daily stress occurs best in relationships with loving supportive people. Our bodies have been designed by God to respond in positive ways to loving nurture.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)
Our culture teaches us to focus on personal uniqueness, but at a deeper level we barely exist as individual beings. Our brains are built to help us function as members of a tribe. Most of our energy is devoted to connecting with others. If we look beyond the list of specific symptoms that form psychiatric diagnoses, we find that almost all mental suffering involves either trouble in creating workable and satisfying relationships or difficulties in regulating arousal. Usually it’s a combination of both.
“The standard medical focus on trying to discover the right drug to treat a particular “disorder” tends to distract us from grappling with how our problems interfere with our functioning as members of our tribe” (The Body Keeps The Score, p.81).
Steps in Pursuit
- Staying emotionally and physically calm and balanced involves positive time spent in caring relationships. Take time this week to relax with family and friends and notice any positive changes in how you feel.
- Be intentional in using a calm, soothing tone of voice when you are speaking to your family or even the checkout person at the store. Make note of their responses.
- A simple way of experiencing the autonomic nervous system is through deep breathing. Inhaling activates the SNS, while exhaling activates the PNS. Practice being aware of your breathing as you sit down to relax.
Staying connected to a loving tribe is not only health to our bodies but it allows the love of God to flow through us bringing life to the world around us. Invite a friend and come to the Natural Wellness Summit September 21 and connect with a community of people pursuing wellness in our local area!
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
